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Application Criteria

The criteria for inclusion in the Network to Freedom are meant to establish a certain level of legitimacy, accountability, and accuracy in telling the Underground Railroad story. They have been designed, however, to be inclusive and flexible to include as wide a range of elements as possible.

Any element nominated to the Network must have a verifiable association to the Underground Railroad. These associations to the Underground Railroad must be verified using professional methods of historical research, documentation and interpretation. Supporting evidence must be documented in the application through specific citations that would allow the reader to recreate the research.

Any site, facility, or program that applies for inclusion in the Network must have the consent of the owner, manager or director. Public-owned properties must [also] have consent from the site manager. A letter of consent from the property owner must accompany each application.